Drug checking reveals more than half of all substances on the street not what expected
May 17, 2018
The majority of street drugs tested in Vancouver don’t contain the substance people thought they’d purchased, according to results of a drug checking pilot study to be presented today. Drug checking allows people to anonymously submit samples of street drugs to be analyzed for their chemical makeup. The pilot study was implemented in November 2...
BC families release blueprint to support addiction treatment, end stigma
April 11, 2018
A network of British Columbian family members and caregivers whose loved ones have been affected by substance use have outlined priorities for addressing substance use and addiction in the province in a report released today. The report sets provincial priorities to develop a substance use system of care, further engage family members and caregiver...
Nurse practitioners to play critical role saving lives in overdose crisis
April 4, 2018
People living with opioid use disorder now have more options to access life-saving medication that will help support them on their pathway to treatment and recovery. As of Feb. 14, 2018, the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia (CRNBC) expanded the opioid treatment prescribing standards to allow nurse practitioners around the province t...
Cannabis use could be a “gateway” out of more harmful substance use, according to new research
March 29, 2018
Cannabis use makes it less likely some people who use drugs will start injecting drugs, according to research from the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU). Research published in Drug and Alcohol Review (March 2018, Volume 37, Issue 3) found street-involved youth who used cannabis were less likely to begin using drugs via injection. The...
New First Nations Addictions Care Initiative launched
March 28, 2018
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and the BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) are pleased to announce the creation of the Integrated First Nations Addictions Care Initiative. The new Initiative will identify opportunities for collaboration between the FNHA and BCCSU with the goal to strengthening partnerships within the healthcare system in ...
